what happens when metal oxide is reduced with oxygen?
Answers
Answer:
The metal initially has a charge since it is bonded to oxygen. The reaction, in this case with carbon monoxide, reduces the metal and it ends up as a neutral atom. The reaction reducing iron(III) oxide takes place at over 1500° C, which melts the iron.
Explanation:
When something gains electrons it is called reduction. A trick to remember which is which is to use the commonly used phrase ''OIL RIG'', which stands for ''oxidation is losing (electrons), and reduction is gaining (electrons).'' Since these ions are oppositely charged, they stick together like opposite ends of two magnets forming zinc oxide, ZnO. This an example of an ionic compound because it was formed from two oppositely charged ions.
The zinc ion has a +2 charge, and the oxygen has a -2 charge. These charges cancel. These superscripts were included for illustrative purposes.
ZnO
Reduction of Metallic Oxides
Zinc Oxide Reduced with Carbon
Just like when the library gets its books back, zinc can get back two electrons (be reduced) in a special chemical reaction with carbon. The zinc ion separates from the oxide ion and gains two electrons to become a neutral zinc atom. Let's look at the reaction whereby zinc is reduced.
ZnO (s) + C (s) + heat → Zn (g) + CO (g)
(s) stands for solid
(g) stands for gas
